But now he's found himself on his second stint at Davis Station in Antarctica, living the dream.

"I applied back in January, 2019 as kind of a 'why not?' sort of deal after coming across the recruiting drive on a Facebook page I followed," he said.

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"I didn't expect anything to come of it as I knew loads of people applied each year, but here I am at Davis for the second time."

Mr Smith has joined the team as part of the Australian Antarctic program, which allows 200 recruits to work at four research stations, spanning 24 roles such as plumbers, electricians, chefs and engineering supervisors.

He said every day in his job is different to the last.

"As a boilermaker down here the work is so varied and unique it's never the same thing each day," Mr Smith said.

"I absolutely love my job and being able to help with all the different requests or issues and provide a solution is just amazing.

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"From fabricating equipment to support the science program to repairing machinery, it's always different."

Australian Antarctic Division organisational psychologist Maree Riley said it is unique opportunity to support Australia's scientific efforts in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

"This is an awesome opportunity to visit a part of the world few see while making a very real and meaningful difference to the future of our planet," Ms Riley said.

"These roles keep the lights on, the water running and people warm in an unforgiving environment.

"Each job carries a huge responsibility but where else can you visit a penguin colony on your day off?"

Australia has three Antarctic research stations at Mawson, Davis and Casey as well as on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.

Each station requires telecommunications, aviation, infrastructure, science, mechanical and medical support.

Contracts vary according to the position and season but usually run for between four and 15 months.

Mr Smith, who did his first stint between October 2019 and March 2020 before coming back this year, said working in a completely different environment to his home was a big highlight.

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"I'd have to say the best thing is just the surreal environment you're in while down here," he said.

"Waking up of a morning and getting ready for work is just like back at home, till you look outside at the gigantic icebergs in the bay or the massive pile of snow/ice piled up around station.

"Davis's unofficial title of "Riviera of the South" is well deserved.

"Brilliant opportunities for hiking and sight-seeing in summer through to the trips to nearby glaciers or even the ice plateau of the continent."

Ms Riley said anyone could apply for any of the positions available this year.

"We are particularly putting the call out to women. If you are a female tradie or supervisor with a taste for travel or change, we want to hear from you," she said.

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"It's important to emphasise this isn't a paid holiday. It can be challenging work in an isolated place.

"The selection process is rigorous because we have to ensure we are recruiting not only the right person for the job, but someone who is going to fit in to a small self-reliant community."

Mr Smith said if anyone is thinking of joining, there's no point waiting.

"Just go for it. You never know, you could be just what the program is looking for," he said.

"Even just applying for a summer position is a great chance to experience what it's like living and working on the most remote places on earth."

Information about the roles and how to apply is at jobs.antarctica.gov.au

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